BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — A focus remains on first responders in Broken Arrow after last month’s horrific tragedy.
We are now learning that a few of the officers who responded to that scene also responded to the Bever home in 2015, after two brothers killed most of their family.
Chief Brandon Berryhill spoke about the connection.
“And so you know that those individuals, it’s probably going to be rougher than others, because it’s bringing back memories,” said Berryhill. “The counseling services that we have now, we didn’t have back then. We brought it in as a one time thing. And I think that helped us recognize we needed to do more for our employees.”
Since then, both the fire and police departments have developed a peer support system. They also offer free outside counseling to police officers, firefighters, and their families through first responders support services.
“The important thing is to talk to somebody, and recognize that it does affect you. 20 years ago, we didn’t talk about it, and no one just kind of pretended that trauma didn’t happen. And now, we know better.”
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